Above - A view of the east wing of the Alternative House. Click on the photo to view the entire gallery

Program Eligibility: Males, Females ages 10 up to age 18 (emergency shelter). Eligibility differs for open residential shelter, call us 24-hours a day for more information (219) 938-7070.

Program Description: Alternative House is a place where children and youth can receive temporary shelter and safely work through family problems that have separated them. Boys and girls, ages 10 up to age 18, may have endured abuse or neglect, or may have been homeless, a runaway, or have been pushed out of their home. Whatever the cause, they are in crisis. They may be scared and lonely, have serious problems and limited resources to deal with them. While at the emergency shelter, youth receive individual, group and family counseling; transportation to and from their home school every day of the school year; and recreation. Efforts are made to resolve the situation that brought them to Alternative House.

Above - Residents volunteer at local flood relief headquarters

Follow-up calls have been made since 1992 to determine the outcomes for kids after they leave. In 2005, 99% were reported as doing well or moderately well 51% were back home 97% were in school 48% were in counseling. Outcome measures done from 1998-2004 by an outside consultant indicated that Alternative House achieved the highest satisfaction and concluded that "The Crisis Center (Alternative House) provides a safe and therapeutic place for children to be placed temporarily."

Alternative House provides time and space to think, find alternatives and make choices. Supportive staff, professional counseling, and problem-solving help can make the difference in a young life. Our goal is to set youth on a path to a happier future. After all, you only get to be a child...once.